ADULT



SABBATH SCHOOL

BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

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OCT NOV DEC 1999

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Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide (ISSN 1096-7400)/No. 418/October-December 1999.

Editorial Office



We Are a Family

12501 Old Columbia Pike

Silver Spring, MD 20904

New Persons in Christ

Principal Contributor

Enrique Chaij



A People With the Same

Editor



Faith and Hope

Philip G. Samaan

United in Love and in Action

Associate Editor

Lyndelle Brower Chiomenti

An Open Community

Editorial Assistant

Soraya Homayouni Parish



United in Diversity

Art and Design

Lars Justinen



In the World but Not of the World

Pacific Press Coordinator



"Zealous for Good Works"

Paul A. Hey

The adult Sabbath School Bible

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Salt of the Earth, Light of the

Study Guide is prepared by the

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World

Office of the Adult Bible Study

Guide of the General Conference of

Christ, the Center of Our Homes

Seventh-day Adventists. The

preparation of the guides is under

the general direction of a worldwide



How Are We Today?

Sabbath School Manuscript

Evaluation Committee, the mem-

bers of which serve as consulting

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Strong and Active for the

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Final Crisis

Guide reflects the input of the

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104

Contents

Meet the Principal Contributor

to This Guide's Lessons

Enrique Chaij was born and reared

in a Seventh-day Adventist home in

the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

While growing up, he had the opportu-

nity to become acquainted with the secu-

lar mind and nonreligious people. In

later years, this experience would be-

come the inspiration for influencing his

choice of higher studies and his minis-

try, which is oriented to evangelizing

the secular world.

As a preacher, Elder Chaij founded

and directed, for 33 years, the radio

program

Una Luz en el Camino

("A

Light on the Way"), which, after many

years, was instrumental in leading thousands to Jesus Christ and into

the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He also pioneered and directed

the TV program

Encuentro con la Vida

("Encounter With Life"),

which is being broadcast via a thousand cable channels today.

Enrique Chaij served as a departmental secretary in the Austral

Union. He was also an editor for a publishing house in South America.

As a writer, he created scripts for a radio and TV program with an

audience of 9,000. He also authored 16 books, 3 Bible courses by

correspondence, and many other editorial works.

He participated in many evangelistic campaigns and taught courses

on radio and TV production, human relations, and family counsel-

ing. He has a B.A. degree in theology, a M.A. in Communication-

Broadcasting, and a Ph.D. in Communication. His doctoral disserta-

tion was on a mass-communication methodology, targeted to reach

the secular society.

Dr. Chaij is now retired, but he is very busy writing new books.

He and his wife, Nelda, have two children, with whom they enjoy an

active and happy Christian family.

Check with your local Adventist Book

Center for the companion book to the

Sabbath School Bible Study Guide.

The Church in Today's World

Beginning in 1996, the Seventh-day Adventist Church embarked

on a worldwide program of emphasis on the "Message and Mission"

of the church. The idea is to focus each year, through the year 2000,

on a particular theme or topic that is vital to the life of the world

church. As the title of the program indicates, the themes chosen

revolve around the message of the church and how that message

relates to its mission.

One of the message-and-mission annual emphases is on Christian

community, the reason for the existence of the remnant church and

its role in today's world.

The two fundamental beliefs 11 and 12 are the focus of the lessons

presented in this Bible Study Guide. (See

Seventh-day Adventists

Believe . . . ,

pp. 134-169.)

This quarter we will seek answers to the following questions:

How is God's church not only a mere congregation but a

loving fellowship with a purpose to reach the world?

What does it mean to be a new person in Christ?

How can we build a united church whose members maintain a

solid spiritual life?

How can the church cultivate Christian love?

What should our attitude be toward people who are not yet

members of God's family?

How can God's diverse family maintain unity as a worldwide

church?

How is it possible for Christians to live in the world without

being of the world?

How is it possible for the church to be a group of holy people?

What does it mean for the church to be salt and light? How do

we become such agents?

10.

How does a Christian home benefit both society and the

church?

11.

How can each church and each member reach a higher level of

spirituality and avoid being absorbed by the worldly current of life?

12.

What is the final crisis? How does it involve God's church?

And how can we come through it victoriously?

13.

How does the church prepare for Christ's second coming?

What will we as individuals do? How will the Second Coming

motivate our decisions and the way we live, both as a church and as

individuals?

While we stay in the world, we will continue to endure tempta-

tions and Satan's destructive intents (Rev. 12:12). But we do not

need to fear (Ps. 46:1, 2). "Nothing else in this world is so dear to

God as His church. Nothing is guarded by Him with such jealous

care."—Testimonies for the Church,

vol. 6, p. 42.

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September 25—October 1

We Are a Family

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Lesson 1

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Pss. 27:10; 34:8; Isa. 41:10;

Jer. 31:3; John 3:16; Rom. 5:5; 1 Pet. 2:9.

MEMORY TEXT: "Here are My mother and My brothers! For

whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother

and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:49, 50, NKJV).

KEY QUESTIONS:

As you study this week, search for the an-

swers to these questions: How does God's love make a church not

merely a congregation but a loving fellowship of brothers and sisters?

How does God use such fellowship to spread His love and truth in the

world?

WE ARE NOT ISLANDS.

In God's family, we neither are distant

nor isolated from one another. We form a united group, bound to-

gether by the same ideals and spiritual principles. Such unity is the

result of the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts and is noted especially

for its Christian love. Such love and unity provide a brilliant contrast

to the chaos of the secular world contrasted in the chart below:

SECULAR SOCIETY



GOD'S FAMILY

Fathers often neglect children



Ps. 27:10

Spiritual orphans



Isa. 41:10

Loneliness/Despair



John 13:35

Pray that with the Holy Spirit's guidance you will be able to help

make God's family a fitting example of His love.

Sunday



September 26

MORE THAN A CONGREGATION (Matt. 12:49, 50; 7:21).

Upon what two conditions does Jesus establish His spiritual

family? Matt. 12:49, 50; 2 Cor. 6:17, 18.

How are these conditions related to each other?

The family of God is not merely a social club that gets together

now and again to have a good time. Neither is it just a congregation,

meeting once or twice a week in a church building. Instead, it is a

group of people who are happy to do their heavenly Father's will.

There is no greater evidence of our love for Christ and His church than

choosing His will over our own. As David prayed, so will we, "Teach

me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me

in the land of uprightness" (Ps. 143:10, NKJV).

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:21 that being His true disciple is not a

mere profession, but a doing of His will.

"Lord, Lord.

To address Christ as 'Lord' is to profess the belief

that He is indeed the Messiah, and implies that the speaker has as-

sumed the role of disciple.

"He that doeth.

That is, he who performs the will of God when he

learns of it. Faith in God must accompany the doing, or the doing is

only a form. It is true that 'faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being

alone' (James 2:17), but it is equally true that works unaccompanied

by a sincere and living faith are also 'dead' (Heb. 11:6). Those who do

not know the will of God are not held accountable for it (Luke 12:47,

48), but those who have heard God's voice speaking to their hearts

and yet persist in ways of their own choosing 'have no cloke for their

sin' (John 15:22) and are in danger of presumption."—SDA

Bible

Commentary,

vol. 5, p. 358.

How does doing God's will relate to prayer? 1 John 5:14 (com-

pare Matt. 6:9, 10; 26:39, 42). How does this make the church a

force in the world?

"Prayer rightly considered is not a device for employing the re-

sources of omnipotence to fulfil our own desires, but a means by

which our desires may be redirected according to the mind of God,

and made into channels for the forces of his will."—C. H. Dodd. What

power we, as God's family, would have to transform the lives of

people living in a secular society if our prayers would match this one

condition!

In what ways has God taught you to do His will? Share with

someone what you have learned about following God's will.

Monday



September 27

GOD SETS THE TONE (1 John 3:1; John 3:16).

All Scripture is a revelation of God's love. Even among our trials

and personal difficulties we can perceive the helping hand of our

loving Father. (How has this been so in your life?)

Divine love reaches every member of our spiritual family. It reaches

us individually in the hours of temptation, loneliness, adversity, and

persecution. It also reaches us corporately as we work together around

the world to spread the gospel.

What assurance do we have for those times when we do not

sense the reality of His love? John 3:16; 1 John 4:8. What differ-

ence does this make to God's family if its members do/do not

understand this truth about God?

Because of His love, what claim can God make on us? Ps. 24:1.

We belong to God. This sense of belonging reminds us that we

should always trust Him and depend on Him as our Creator, Father,

and Lord. What a great lesson to be learned: to depend always and in

everything on our loving Lord. Jesus tells us, "I am the vine, you are

the branches. He who abides in Me, and

in him, bears much fruit; for

without me You can do nothing" (John 15:5, NKJV).

"Those who accept Christ as their personal Saviour are not left as

orphans, to bear the trials of life alone. He receives them as members

of the heavenly family; He bids them call His Father their Father.

They are His 'little ones,' dear to the heart of God, bound to Him by

the most tender and abiding ties. He has toward them an exceeding

tenderness, as far surpassing what our father or mother has felt toward

us in our helplessness as the divine is above the human."—The

Desire

of Ages,

327.

The more we depend on God, the more spiritual power we will

receive from Him (2 Cor. 12:9). We can grow in our friendship with

Him. We can improve our family life. Also we can be wiser in our

decisions and stronger in our faith.

How do you give thanks to God for His love? How do you

respond with your love to Him?

List six

ways

you can share His love with someone this week.

Do at least three of these and be prepared to share your experi-

ence with the class on Sabbath.

Tuesday



September 28

WE ARE MEMBERS OF ONE FAMILY (1 John 4:21; John 13:34,

35).

Being united in love helps us to develop a sense of family. As a

result, we can call each other "brother" or "sister" and treat one

another as such. This was the practice in the apostolic days (see Acts

1:15,16; 2 Thess. 1:3). Even Christ is not ashamed to call us brothers

and sisters (Heb. 2:11).

How does Matthew 6:9 reinforce the fact that we are sisters and

brothers in Christ?

How do Christ and the Holy Spirit create a united church

family? Eph. 2:13-16; Rom. 8:14; 5:5.

Christ



The Holy Spirit

We are brothers and sisters in God the Father, in God the Holy

Spirit, and also in God the Son. God abolished all barriers among His

followers through the cross of Christ. New life in Christ brings union

instead of division; love instead of hate; cooperation instead of self-

ishness; humility instead of pride. In summary, "We have passed from

death to life because we love one another" (1 John 3:14, NRSV).

God pours out His love in our hearts through His Spirit. As a result,

we can love, understand, and forgive one another.

"When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His

love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him;

and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ

will be the spring of action. . . . A profession of Christ without this

deep love, is mere talk, dry formality, and heavy drudgery."—Steps

Christ,

pp. 44, 45.

How do people around us recognize that we are disciples of

Christ? Is it because we say we love one another? John 13:34, 35.

Explain.

If we would have the Holy Spirit poured out on our church

family, what would the Spirit change in us? How could that

change the way we relate to one another, the way we witness?

How will I tell others about His family?

Wednesday



September 29

WE ARE NOT ALONE (Matt. 28:20; Isa. 41:10).

Just a few minutes before starting an overseas trip, a man went to a

little boy standing on the dock and told him, "In a moment my ship

will depart, and I do not have any friends to tell me good-bye. Would

you take my handkerchief and wave it as a sign of farewell while the

boat is leaving?" The man could not bear his loneliness. As the ship

set sail, he felt happy seeing the boy wave that big white handkerchief.

Like this lonely traveler, too many women and men feel alone in

the journey of life! We lack the sensitivity, companionship, and warmth

of genuine human contact. Truly, loneliness is one of the most com-

mon conditions of our time. It is not necessarily the absence of com-

pany, but the sense of estrangement and abandonment. We live with

people, yet feel alone. Even among Christians this is a common prob-

lem. Often, we can become so busy doing good works and volunteer-

ing for the church that we neglect genuine fellowship and recreation.

How can we overcome or prevent this problem? Ps. 68:4-6.

" To, I am with you always, even to the end of the age' " (Matt.

28:20, NKJV). What a marvelous prescription for loneliness we find

in Christ's promise to us! The Lord is at our side always, every day,

every moment, without any break or vacation. We can renew this

divine company at the beginning of the day, at any moment in need.

Explain what the Lord promises to do for us in one of His most

beautiful promises. Isa. 41:10. How has He fulfilled this promise

in your life?

Are we sick? Jesus stays by our bed.

Are we far from home? He travels with us.

Have we lost a close relative or friend? He gives us strength and

consolation.

Do we have fears? He comes to us and takes them away.

Are we in danger or under threat? He protects us against our

enemies.

Psalm 68:6 tells us that "God sets the solitary in families"

(NKJV). Think of someone in your church or neighborhood who

has little or no family nearby. Plan three ways you can include

this person in your family's activities and initiate one of these

ways

within the month.

Thursday



September 30

A FAMILY WITH A PURPOSE (Gen. 12:2, 3; 1 Pet. 2:9; Matt.

28:19).

Every earthly family needs to have goals and plans to reach those

goals. Such goals might include the size of the family, the future of the

children, the style of the house, the spiritual prosperity of the family,

etc.

God's family has goals and plans. Our heavenly Father Himself has

specific aims for His church and its members and has the plans to ful-

fill them.

What purpose did God have for His people from the very

beginning? Gen. 12:2, 3.

"The people of God are His representatives upon the earth, and He

intends that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world.

Scattered all over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, they

are God's witnesses, the channels through which He will communi-

cate to an unbelieving world the knowledge of His will and the

wonders of His

grace."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 134.

"His [Christ's] followers are not to feel themselves detached from

the perishing world around them. They are a part of the great web of

humanity; and Heaven looks upon them as brothers to sinners as well

as to saints. The fallen, the erring, and the sinful, Christ's love em-

braces; and every deed of kindness done to uplift a fallen soul, every

act of mercy, is accepted as done to

Him."—The Desire of Ages,

p. 638.

How does Peter declare God's objective for His people? 1 Pet.

2:9 (compare Matt. 28:19).

All the descriptions by which Peter calls God's family have one

purpose: to communicate in different ways the love of Christ and His

salvation. To do something else, or to profess only a creed, is to

misunderstand the true religion of Christ.

Are your goals and plans as a Christian consistent with God's

goals and plans for His family? Why are deeds of kindness and

acts of mercy good ways for meeting God's goals for the church

family? How well did you fulfill God's goals yesterday? Pray

that today God will help you to be a more loving sister or

brother to "sinners as well as to saints."

Friday



October 1

FURTHER STUDY: How does the parable of the prodigal son

(Luke 15:11-32) help you to answer the Key Questions in Sabbath's

lesson?

Read

Steps to Christ,

chapter 1, "Christian Service."

"The NT has 2 words for love,

agape,

with its associated verb

agapao,

'to love,' and the verb

phileo,

'to like,' to have affection

for,' to love.' . . .

"Agape

is a principle, and may be described as a love of respect and

esteem, a love bringing into play the higher powers of the mind and

intelligence. It is this kind of love that the Christian is to exercise even

toward his enemies (Mt.

5:44)."—SDA Bible Dictionary,

on "Love,"

(1979 edition), p. 682.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Describe what your church would be if all the members were

like you. How does a loving attitude allow you to disagree

sometimes with your brothers and sisters in the church with-

out being disagreeable?

Contrast the blessings of belonging to God's family with the

loneliness a secular person might suffer.

How can we enjoy being a part of God's family? One answer

is given for you. Think of at least three others. Answer: We

can always count on our Father's love, presence, and pro-

tection.

What would you do to improve the situation if you belonged

to a lukewarm church?

Design a "Family Crest" for your church that would repre-

sent:

how you show love for/to Christ;

how you share the gospel with your community;

how you show love to the poor in our church/community;

what you value above all else;

how you want others to describe your church;

your major goal.

SUMMARY:

God is the Father of a great church family on earth. He

loves this family with an everlasting love. Because of this love, we can

depend on Him and be happy doing His will. Through Him, members

of this family are sisters and brothers in Christ.

Pentecost's Flames Touch India, Part 1

J. H. Zachary

During late 1996 and early 1997 nearly sixty Protestant pastors

in eastern India were baptized into the Adventist Church. But

many wondered if they would be faithful to the new Bible truths

they had accepted. Recently I heard some of these pastors share

how God is working in their lives. Let me introduce a few of them.

Pastor P. Ponda is a third-generation pastor. He was leading

30 independent congregations when he met some Adventist pas-

tors. As the pastors discussed Bible truths, Pastor Ponda began to

understand the Bible basis for Adventist teachings. He requested

baptism. "I want the Adventist Church to shepherd my nearly

four thousand people," he said. To date, nearly half of his mem-

bers have been baptized.

When Assish Missal completed his seminary training, he felt a

burden to reach the tribal people living in the mountains near his

home. Then he attended a revival meeting conducted by Adventist

evangelist Bhasker Rao. As he understood and accepted the Bible

basis for Adventist teachings, he requested rebaptism. When

word of his conversion reached his home town, he was expelled

from the village and church officials canceled plans for a village

marriage for his sister. Undaunted, Missal has formed three

Adventist congregations in his community.

Absalom Maik was a priest before he accepted the Sabbath

message and was baptized. He became a lay preacher. An angry

crowd surrounded his family's house and threatened to take his

life, but Maik's brother persuaded the mob to leave. However,

Maik was excommunicated from the village and is not permitted

even to draw water from the village well. His converts have lost

the privilege of being buried in the village graveyard. But Maik

continues to witness. Within a year Brother Maik had prepared

120 persons for baptism.

Pastor Vijaha Lima attended

The Quiet Hour

revival and was

baptized. He went from home to home in his village, sharing the

Bible-based teachings he had learned. Eighty persons accepted

the truth and requested baptism. The new believers were told to

leave the village. When one of the believers died, the village

refused to allow the Adventists to bury him in the village cem-

etery. They buried him in a lonely spot near the river.

(continued next week)

J. H. Zachary is international evangelism coordinator for

The Quiet

Hour

in Redlands, California.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness

E-mail: gomission@compuserve.com

Lesson 2



October 2-8

New Persons in Christ

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Isa. 55:6, 7; Eph. 2:1-10;

4:17-24; Gal. 5:16-26.

MEMORY TEXT: "God, who is rich in mercy, because of His

great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in

trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4,

5, NKJV).

KEY QUESTIONS:

As you study this week's lesson, look for

answers to these questions: Before people find Christ, what are they

like? What can we become

after

we accept His salvation? And how

does such a transformation take place?

A TIME OF CHANGE.

People have been talking about the changes

and new ideas they hope to see during the new millennium. Some look

for changes in the industrial world while others crave new ideas in

communications. Still others are eager for advancement in standards

of living, family life, education, and moral customs. But no change

could be as important as the change only God can make in one's life.

What is this change? It is the transformation made by God in the

human mind and heart (Ezek. 36:26, 27; 2 Cor. 5:17).

"In the heart renewed by divine grace, love . . . modifies the

character,. governs the impulses, controls the passions, subdues en-

mity, and ennobles the affections."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 59.

Last week, we looked at being members of God's family. This week

we will see how that helps us become people with a new future and a

new hope.

Sunday



October 3

B.C.—BEFORE CHRIST (Eph. 2:1-3, 12; Rom. 1:28-32).

How does Paul describe life before Christ? Eph. 2:1-3; Rom.

1:28-32.

No matter how good we may appear to others, sin takes possession

of our lives if Christ does not dwell within. Sinful acts weaken and

destroy the integrity of the soul. Indeed, when life is empty of Christ's

love, it is filled with sin. How were you before you met and accepted

Christ as your Savior? You may not have been a liar or an adulterer.

But were you proud, angry, bitter, legalistic, or unforgiving?

Consider people in ancient times who did not acknowledge God

(Rom. 1:21-32). They "became futile in their thoughts, and their

foolish hearts were darkened" (v. 21, NKJV).

What did Paul think about himself both before and after he

encountered Christ? Phil. 3:4-8.

Before Christ



After Christ



"We have nothing in ourselves of which to boast. We have no

ground for self-exaltation. Our only ground of hope is in the right-

eousness of Christ imputed to us, and in that wrought by His Spirit

working in and through

us."—Steps to Christ,

p. 63.

Paul's story can also be ours when we give our lives to Christ. "If

you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Savior, then, sinful

as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous.

Christ's character stands in place of your character, and you are

accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.

"More than this, Christ changes the heart. He abides in your heart

faith."—Steps to Christ,

p. 62.

The words translated

sin

and

trespasses

in Ephesians 2:1-3

mean to "miss the mark" and a "fall" respectively. Take some

time to examine your life. How have you "missed the mark" or

"fallen" (taken the wrong road) where God is concerned? Pray

that He will help you get back on course.

Monday



October 4

A.C.—AFTER CHRIST (Eph. 1:7, 8; 2:8, 9; 1 John 1:9, 10).

The wide and deep grace of God reaches even the worst sinner. He

offers forgiveness to all without distinction. Certainly, God abun-

dantly pardons (Isa. 55:7).

What is the basis of our assurance regarding God's pardon?

Eph. 1:7, 8.

"As you see the enormity of sin, as you see yourself as you really

are, do not give up to despair. It was sinners that Christ came to save.

We have not to reconcile God to us, but—O wondrous love!—God in

Christ is 'reconciling the world unto himself(2 Cor.

5:19)."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 35.

"It is when we most fully comprehend the love of God that we best

realize the sinfulness of sin. When we see the length of the chain that

was let down for us, when we understand something of the infinite

sacrifice that Christ has made in our behalf, the heart is melted with

tenderness and contrition."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 36.

What three things must we do to receive God's forgiveness?

Define each one. Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9.

Action



Definition

"The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin; it

means that sin is taken away, and that the vacuum is filled with the

Spirit. It means that the mind is divinely illumined, that the heart is

emptied of self, and filled with the presence of Christ."—Ellen G.

White,

Review and Herald,

June 10, 1902.

Be honest with yourself. When have you rationalized away a

sin or blamed it on someone or something else? Ask God to help

you confess, repent, and turn to Him for forgiveness and free-

dom from that sin.

Tuesday



October 5

A NEW CREATION (Eph. 2:12, 13; 5:8; John 3:8; Ezek. 36:26).

What two contrasts does Paul use to describe life before Christ

and life after Christ? Eph. 2:12, 13; 5:8.

Before Christ



After Christ

"When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes

possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can

never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a

supernatural element into human nature."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 324.

Mary was an alcoholic. She drank several bottles of wine every

day, plus other strong drinks. When her husband arrived home in the

evenings, he frequently found her drunk with a broken bottle at her

side. This family drama lasted 25 years. Every source of help proved

useless. Every treatment ended without results. In terms of money, her

husband wasted the amount of three good houses trying to cure his

wife. But the Lord began to work when they sought His divine help.

And what they were looking for during 25 years without results, the

Lord did spectacularly in a moment! Soon after her liberation, Mary

became a noble and respectable member of our church. The Lord is

changing lives every day, everywhere.

How did Nicodemus respond when Jesus told him, "No one can

see the kingdom of God without being born from above"? John

3:3-6, NRSV. What do you think motivated his response?

"The Lord Jesus is making experiments on human hearts through

the exhibition of His mercy and abundant grace. He is effecting trans-

formations so amazing that Satan, with all his triumphant boasting,

with all his confederacy of evil united against God and the laws of

His government, stands viewing them as a fortress impregnable to his

sophistries and delusions. They are to him an incomprehensible

mys-

tery."—Testimonies to Ministers,

p. 18.

These transformations are made only by the power of the Holy Spirit

(John 3:6-8; Ezek. 36:26, 27).

Recall the changes the Lord has made in your life. In what

areas are you still changing and growing?

Wednesday



October 6

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ACTION (Rom. 8:9, 14; Eph. 4:22-32).

As we mentioned yesterday, we obtain the new life in Christ through

the Holy Spirit. No one can make such changes through his or her own

strength. Review Jesus' teaching to Nicodemus about his need to be

born again by the Holy Spirit (John 3:6-8).

What does Joel 2:28-32 teach us about who may receive the

Holy Spirit? (Compare Acts 2:17, 18.)

"The Spirit awaits our demand and reception. Since this is the means

by which we are to receive power, why do we not hunger and thirst for

the gift of the Spirit? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and preach

concerning

it?"—Christian Service,

p. 252.

The new person in Christ has an entirely new attitude regard-

ing all aspects of life. Below is a list of certain attitudes people may

have before they accept Christ. Using Ephesians 4:22-32, write

next to them the new attitudes in Christ that replace them. What

is our motivation for developing these new attitudes? Verse 32,

last part.

falsehood



anger



thievery



unwholesome talk



bitterness, slander, malice



"When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms

the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love,

humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes

the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven."

—The Desire of Ages,

p. 173.

Which of the above aspects of the new self in Christ do you

think you need to work on? Have you tried to change by your-

self? How much did you gain under your own willpower? Re-

member, it is the new self

in Christ!

Thursday



October

LIKE JESUS (1 Cor. 2:16; 1 Pet. 2:21; Heb. 8:10).

Once we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are ready to imitate

Jesus. The way we talk, feel, and act will reveal that we are new per-

sons, with the desire to be like Jesus in every way. We will long to

please and glorify Him in all that we think and do. As His faithful

followers, we will long to walk with Him wherever He leads us and

will rejoice to lovingly obey His commandments.

What is the key to being like Jesus? 1 Cor. 2:16; 2 Cor. 3:16.

When we dedicate even our thinking to Christ, He will help us

resist bad and impure thoughts. Thus, we can have "the mind of

Christ," with thoughts that reflect His character. Both sin and holiness

begin in the mind. Even though it is the battlefield where the enemy

wants to have dominion, it is also where Christ can gain the victory for

our salvation. The decision is ours. Who will be the master of our

minds?

"The Christian life is a life of constant conflict. It is a battle and a

march. Every act of obedience, every deed of self-denial, every trial

bravely endured, every temptation resisted, every victory gained, is a

step forward in the march to eternal triumph."—Ellen G. White,

The

Signs of the Times®,

October 29, 1902.

If we have the mind of Christ, and if we look to Jesus as "the author

and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2, NKJV), we shall be qualified to

"follow His steps" (1 Pet. 2:21, KJV). But we also shall be humble

enough to depend constantly on the Lord. And we shall prove the truth

of this statement:

"Nothing can be more helpless and yet more invincible than the

soul that feels its nothingness, and relies wholly upon the merits of a

crucified and risen Saviour. God would send every angel in heaven to

the aid of the one who places his whole dependence on Christ, rather

than allow him to be overcome."—Ellen G. White,

The Signs of the

Times®,

October 29, 1902.

we seek through God's grace to follow in Christ's steps,

what covenant promise will He Himself keep? Heb. 8:10.

What societal influences are preventing you from developing

"the mind of Christ"? Draw up a plan that will help you elimi-

nate these influences from your life. Make sure your plan pro-

vides for specific times of Bible study and prayer.

Friday



October 8

FURTHER STUDY:

The Ten Commandments (Exod. 20) reflect

God's character and the new person each of us is to become in Christ.

The first four commandments reflect our love for God, while the last

six reflect our love for others. For each commandment, think of a

positive statement that reflects the attitudes and behavior a new person

in Christ is to have.

Read

Selected Messages,

book 2, chap. 48;

The Acts of the Apostles,

chap. 5.

"The Christian's life is not a modification or improvement of the

old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and

a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the

effectual working of the Holy Spirit."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 172.

However, not all church members are transformed persons. Some

of them have placed themselves a long way from the transforming

influence of the Spirit. But, "we should remember that the church,

enfeebled and defective though it be, is the

only object on earth on

which Christ bestows His supreme regard.

He is constantly watching it

with solicitude, and is strengthening it by His Holy

Spirit."—Selected

Messages,

book 2, p. 396, italics supplied.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Based on the

lesson this week, how would you answer the

Key Questions in Sabbath's lesson?

A co-worker of yours is leading quite a

life of sin. But now

this person wants to accept Christ as his Savior. However,

he is afraid he will not be able to give up certain bad habits.

How will you help him in becoming a new person in Christ?

The first step is given below. Fill in steps 2-4. Then provide

scriptural references for all four steps.

Recognize your sins, and desire to be free from them.

Text:



Step:



Text:



Step:



Text:



Step:



Text:



SUMMARY: God's

love in action secures our salvation and builds up

a church with converted and renewed people. Thanks to His love and

power, God forgives us for our sins and transforms our lives.

Pik

Pentecost's Flames Touch India, Part 2

J. H. Zachary

When 60 Protestant pastors were baptized in eastern India,

many wondered whether they would remain true to their new

beliefs. Recently some of these pastors shared how God is using

them to fan the flames of Pentecost in India.

Vijaya Maik lives in a non-Christian village. After accepting the

Adventist message, he actively shared his new faith with fellow

villagers. But some villagers complained and had him arrested and

imprisoned in an effort to stop the spread of the gospel.

Word of his imprisonment caused even more people to want to

hear the basis for his faith. Soon 40 persons requested baptism.

Several of these new believers also were imprisoned.

The mission president, concerned that Brother Maik's preach-

ing methods might stir up the community unnecessarily, suggested

he try different approaches. But Maik responded, "I must share

this message before Jesus comes. God will take care of me."

When Raju Purty accepted the Adventist message, he was de-

termined to take the gospel to his friends. After several months, 25

persons requested baptism. Other villagers threatened the con-

verts, "You have one week to change your minds or be driven out

of the village!" The new converts refused to change their minds.

Barred from drawing water from the village well, they must walk

seven miles for water. They cannot bury their dead in the village

cemetery and must find a new location for a graveyard. Brother

Purty is looking for a new place where the believers can live.

Another pastor, Vijaya Kumar Maik, climbs steep mountain

trails to share his new faith with tribal people. Thus far 131 per-

sons have been baptized as a result of his work.

After Pastor Bipin Khilo was baptized, the Lord gave him a

burden for a very cruel tribe that lives in a remote mountain valley.

Strangers entering their territory are met with bows and arrows.

At great personal risk, Brother Khilo is attempting to make friends

with this tribe and tell them about Jesus and His soon return.

Prior to 1997, fewer than 160 persons were baptized in any one

year in the Orissa Mission. But during 1997, 3,000 persons were

baptized, many as a direct result of the work of these newly bap-

tized pastors.

The Quiet Hour

pays the pastors a small stipend

which allows them to work full time in evangelism.

J. H. Zachary is international evangelism coordinator for

The Quiet

Hour,

located in Redlands, California.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness

E-mail: gomission@compuserve.com

Lesson 3



October 9-15

A People With the Same

Faith and Hope

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Rev. 14:6; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2 Pet.

1:16; 1 Cor. 9:16; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 9:28.

MEMORY TEXT: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as

you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith,

one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and

through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6, NKJV).

KEY QUESTION:

How can we build a united church whose

members maintain a solid spiritual life in Christ and who share the

same faith and hope?

SECURITY AMID CONFUSION.

We live in a world of religious

confusion. Many people are without any kind of faith or hope. Many

others, while believing they are Christians and members of God's

family, suffer from religious distortion owing to the neglect of God's

word and believing Satan's lies (Matt. 22:29; Mark 12:24; John 8:44).

"The truth of God is found in His word. Those who feel that they

must seek elsewhere for present truth need to be converted anew.

They have wrong habits to mend, evil ways to be abandoned. They

need to seek anew the truth as it is in Jesus, that their character build-

ing may be in harmony with the lessons of

Christ."—Testimonies for

the Church,

vol. 8, p. 192.

In last week's lesson, we studied how to become new persons in

Christ. This week, we will learn how to validate our faith and hope and

affirm our convictions in the "everlasting gospel" (Rev. 14:6).

The Bible

God's Method of Salvation

God Himself

Sunday



October 10

AN ETERNAL GOSPEL (Rev. 14:6; Gal. 1:7-9; 2 Cor. 11:3-5).

In today's world, people suffer from drastic changes and instability.

How crucial, then, is the everlasting and reliable gospel of Christ!

Based on what you read in Galatians 1:7-9, what one word best

describes the nature of Christ's gospel? (This word does not nec-

essarily have to come from the text given.)

The world is constantly changing. The newest computer software

on the market today will be obsolete tomorrow. With or without a

reason, people conclude that we must have change. Such a conclusion

often means that people even desire to change God's teachings.

But what does Scripture say about this?

Heb. 13:8



Heb. 9:22



1 Pet. 1:25



Think of at least two ways people have tried to change the

Bible, God's method of salvation, and even God Himself:

"Let not erroneous theories receive countenance from the people

who ought to be standing firm on the platform of eternal truth. God

calls upon us to hold firmly to the fundamental principles that are

based upon unquestionable

authority."—Testimonies for the Church,

vol. 8, p. 298.

"[Satan] causes men and women to doubt God's love and seeks to

deprive them of the power to choose the right. He occupies their

minds with anything and everything that will crowd out time, and the

desire, for Christ, for His righteousness, and for His kingdom (Luke

21:34-36)."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 6, p. 909.

What has been occupying your mind lately? How can you

clean out the clutter to make room for Christ?

Monday



October 11

A MESSAGE NOT OF HUMAN INVENTION (2 Pet. 1:16; 1 Cor.

2:13).

What kind of gospel did Peter and Paul teach to their listeners?

2 Pet. 1:16; 1 Cor. 2:13.

There were some "Christians" at the time Peter wrote his second

letter who no longer believed in the Second Coming. But Peter claims

the right to preach this divine truth because of what he saw on the

Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-5).

Both Peter and Paul were moved by the Spirit to preach God's

truth. They taught and wrote about ideas that were not their own.

"The gospel will be revealed as a living power and not as cunningly

devised fables or idle speculations. It will be revealed as a reality, not

the result of imagination or enthusiasm. This will be of more conse-

quence than sermons or professions or

creeds."—Testimonies for the

Church,

vol. 6, p. 264.

What two things should we do with the divine message? 1 Cor.

9:16; James 1:22-24.

"Christianity does not help people live their everyday lives." So

said one woman who practices a Far Eastern form of religion. Yet

according to James 1:22, this is exactly what Christianity was meant

to do. It is not enough to read the Bible or sit in a pew on Sabbath and

listen to a sermon. The essence of Christianity involves letting what

we have studied and heard influence our lifestyles and habits. The

powerful gospel transforms people and leads them to reflect the char-

acter of Christ.

"If Christians were to act in concert, moving forward as one, under

the direction of one Power, for the accomplishment of one purpose,

they would move the

world."—Christian Service,

p. 75.

What is the most important contribution you believe the divine

gospel has made to your daily life? Be ready to explain why to

your Sabbath School class.

How can you share with

a friend,

a neighbor, or

a colleague

this week the difference the gospel has made in your life?

Tuesday



October 12

ONLY ONE (Eph.

4:3-6; 2 Cor. 13:8; Titus 2:11-14).

In what seven areas is the church to achieve a special unity?

Eph. 4:3-6.



"The apostles and early Christians considered Christ's return 'the

blessed hope.' . . . They expected all the prophecies and promises of

Scripture to be fulfilled at the Second Advent .. . for it is the very goal

of the Christian pilgrimage. All who love Christ look forward eagerly

to the day when they will be able to share face-to-face fellowship with

Him—and with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the

angels."—Seventh-

day Adventists Believe . . . ,

p. 334.

Explain what happens when people try to have more than one

Lord. Matt. 6:24; Gal. 1:10. How is worrying similar to trying to

serve two masters? Matt. 6:25-34.

Have you ever tried to think of several things at a time? Do several

things at once? Or focus your eyes on two different objects at the same

time? How much success did you have? Trying to serve God while

clinging to a favored opinion or prejudice is just as big a failure. He

cannot be just one influence among many. He must be our one regard

in all aspects of life in order for us to live His life.

" 'Mammon' is a Chaldean word for the money-god. It is a word

which speaks of the systems of materialism which are so very domi-

nant in human experience. The disciple is to give undivided loyalty to

the Master; mammon is to take a very inferior place.

"Jesus is not teaching a withdrawal from the material world. Rather,

He calls for a decision which is necessary for His disciples to live

freely in the world."—Myron S. Augsburger,

The Communicator's

Commentary: Matthew,

Lloyd J. Ogilvie, ed. (Word Books: Waco,

Texas, 1982), pp. 92, 93.

How can hope in Christ's return lead to a transformed life and a

transformed church? Explain how focusing on the "blessed hope"

can prevent us from serving two masters and help us to live freely.

Wednesday



October 13

THE SUSTAINER OF OUR HOPE (Rom. 5:1, 2;

Col.

1:27).

The secular person has worldly dreams and can develop some hope

for a better future. But all these expectations often will end in bitter

frustration. More and more the people of our generation recognize

human impotence when it comes to building a better world.

But as we learned in yesterday's lesson, as God's children we have

the "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) of Christ's return. We are not adrift.

We know where we are going! When life is full of distress, the Second

Coming gives us hope. "Find rest, 0 my soul, in God alone; my hope

comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my

fortress, I will not be shaken" (Ps. 62:5, 6, NIV).

"Feelings are not a safe criterion. We are not to look within for

evidence of our acceptance with God. We shall find there nothing but

that which will discourage us. Our only hope is in 'looking unto

Jesus.'. . . There is everything in Him to inspire with hope, with faith,

and with courage. He is our righteousness, our consolation and

rejoic-

ing."—Testimonies for the Church, vol.

5, pp. 199, 200.

Explain the relationship between grace and hope. Rom. 5:2,

KJV.

Grace and hope bring joy to our faith. We live both by faith and by

hope. One secures the other. Ask yourself: Does the advent hope bring

joy and certainty to my life? If not, why not? Decide that no matter

what others may do or say, you shall not lose faith in the God who

sustains your hope.

Explain how Christ in us is the "hope of glory." Col. 1:27.

When the Lord abides in us, His transforming power renews our

inner life, and a new vision regarding the future enlightens all our

being. Christ becomes the glorious hope that improves our present and

secures our eternal future.

"All the way up the steep path leading to eternal life are well-

springs of joy to refresh the weary. The true, strong joy of the soul

begins when Christ is formed within, the hope of

glory."—Selected

Messages,

book 2, p. 169.

How has the "blessed hope" sustained your courage and faith

in the hour of trial? Be prepared to share one such experience

with your Sabbath School class.

Thursday



October 14

"I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED" (2 Tim. 1:12; James 1:2-

12).

Of what is Paul convinced? 2 Tim. 1:12.

Notice that Paul did not say in

what

he believed, but in

whom

believed. His certainty came not from a creed or a theology, but from a

personal experience with His Savior. That is why, after doing the

work God had asked him to do, he could entrust the results to Him.

Paul did not have any doubt about his faith and his Lord. Doubt can

produce spiritual weakness and inconsistency. But faith in God brings

power to the soul, conviction to the mind, and holiness to the Christian

life.

"Faith is trusting in God—believing that He loves us, and knows

what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to

choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in

place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His

righteousness."—Gospel

Workers,

p. 259.

One day, while visiting a well-known Christian author, a young

man asked: "Are all the books you've written the foundation of your

faith?"

The writer answered as he pointed to various books in his library:

"These six volumes are my first work on faith. But after the death of

my son, I wrote these four volumes on the subject. Then after yet

another severe trial, I wrote these two."

Next the writer took down a small book and said: "This is my very

last book. But when my wife passed away, I understood that faith is

simply to trust in God."

"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in

the Lord" (Ps. 112:7, NIV).

What counsel do we find in James 1:2-12 regarding stability,

perseverance, and growth in faith and hope?

"Perplexities will increase; but let us, as believers in God, encourage

one another. Let us not lower the standard, but keep it lifted high, look-

ing to Him who is the Author and Finisher of our

faith."—Selected

Messages,

book 2, p. 406.

According to your observations, what things are most likely

to weaken a person's Christian convictions?

How often do you feed your faith and hope with the study of

God's Word? What difference does this make?

Friday



October 15

FURTHER STUDY:

Use a concordance to look up the

words faith

and

hope.

After reading a few of the verses you find, analyze the relation-

ship between the two.

Read

The Great Controversy,

pp. 608

612;

Last Day Events,

chap.

Selected Messages,

book 2, chaps. 6, 50.

"God's people are not to be in confusion, lacking order and har-

mony, consistency and beauty. The Lord is greatly dishonored when

disunion exists among His people. Truth is a unit. The unity that God

requires must be cultivated day by day if we would answer the prayer

of Christ. The disunion that is striving for existence among those who

profess to believe the last message of mercy to be given to the world,

must find no place; for it would be a fearful hindrance to the advance-

ment of God's work. His servants are to be one, as Christ is one with

the Father; their powers, illuminated, inspired, and sanctified, must

be united to make a complete whole. Those who love God and keep

His commandments are not to draw apart; they are to press together."

—Testimonies for the Church,

vol. 8,

pp. 174, 175.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

After studying this week's lesson, make a list of items that

answer the Key Question in Sabbath's lesson. One answer

is provided for you: We can build a united church whose

members share one faith and one hope by adopting a sin-

cere and humble attitude, without preconceptions or preju-

dices, when we do not understand a particular Bible pas-

sage.

Do we need to modernize the essence of the gospel in order

to make it more agreeable to the secular world? What about

methods of presenting the gospel? Explain your answers.

Discuss the spiritual benefits of belonging to the family of

God, with the same faith and hope, in contrast to the confu-

sion and alienation we find in this world.

SUMMARY:

We are God's family with the same faith and hope. We

are called to keep and preach only biblical truths free from any

favored opinions and prejudices. This way, we can be "united in love

and action," as we shall study in the next week's lesson.

Oak

I Was Blind, But Now I See

As told to B. Wiafe

My name is Mtalimanja Njobvu. I am quite old, though I do not

know when I was born. I live in a farming village in the South

Luangwa game reserve in Zambia. My wife died several years

ago, and my 10 children have grown and moved into town.

One day I noticed that my eyesight was growing dim. Soon it

became impossible to hunt and work on my farm. Without any

family members nearby to help me, I lived by the mercy of kind

neighbors.

During the dry season, some health workers from Kamoto

Hospital came to my village. They examined my eyes and told me

that if I did not get help, I would lose the little bit of sight I still

had in my right eye. I did not take them seriously at the time, but a

few months later I realized that the vision in my right eye was

growing dimmer.

My only hope was to get to the hospital at Kamoto, a four-day

walk from my village. But I was old and nearly blind. I did not

know how long it would take me to get there. Maybe I could not

even make it, but I decided to try.

I asked my neighbors to take care of my hut, in which were

stored all my earthly belongings. I put on my best attire and started

for Kamoto. My journey took me through the game reserve, where

I heard the elephants, birds, and monkeys. But I could not see them.

Sometimes I missed the path and had to turn back to find it

again. At night I slept in villages along the way. Some of the

people I talked to encouraged me to go on, and others told me to

go home. But I had made up my mind to press on.

On the ninth day I finally reached Kamoto only to learn that the

doctor was away. I was so disappointed! But the people there were

wonderful; they took me to Mwami Hospital in Chipata by ambu-

lance! That was my first ride in a vehicle in 25 years.

The doctors in the hospital at Mwami operated on my eyes.

Within 10 days I was given a pair of glasses to wear. Behold! Now

I can see with the eyes of a young man! I can hunt and farm, and I

do not have to rely on my neighbors to feed me. Thank you for

helping me receive my sight again.

Dr. B. Wiafe is the medical director and chief ophthalmologist of the

Mwami Adventist Hospital in Chipata, Zambia. He performed the

surgery on Mr. Njobvu's eyes.

Produced by the

General Conference Office of Mission Awareness ,

E-mail: gomission@compuserve.com

Lesson 4



October 16-22

United in Love

and in Action

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Eph. 5:2; John 13:34, 35;

Matt. 22:37-40; John 17:26; 21:15-17; Col. 3:12-14.

MEMORY VERSE: "My little children, let us not love in word

or in tongue, but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18, NKJV).

KEY QUESTIONS:

What is Christian love? Why is it the highest

of all Christian virtues? As God's children, how can we cultivate this

virtue? How does Christ's love help us to live in the world but not be

of the world?

"IN DEED AND IN TRUTH."

Think about the many evils, afflic-

tions, and disgraces that exist in our world and in the church because

people do not understand or care about Christian love. Then think

about the disunity and coldness that occur as a result.

Christian love does not consist only of words. It should be mani-

fested "in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18).

"Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strength-

ens, and extends it. Love will gain the victory when argument and

authority are

powerless."—Testimonies for the Church,

vol. 2, p. 135.

"Unless we daily cultivate the precious plant of love we are in

danger of becoming narrow, unsympathetic, bigoted, and critical,

esteeming ourselves righteous when we are far from being approved

God."—Testimonies for the Church, vol.

5, p. 605.

This week, learn how Christ's love can motivate and inform Christ's

family and reaffirm its position and commission in the world.

Sunday



October 17

"WALK IN LOVE" (Eph. 5:1, 2; John 13:34, 35; 15:12; Phil. 2:1-3).

Explain what it means to "walk in love." Eph. 5:1, 2.

How will people who are not Christians know we are true fol-

lowers of Christ? John 13:34, 35. Compare this text with Ephesians

5:1, 2.

People are watching to see whether we treat one another with

kindness. If they do not see that the spirit of service and forgiveness

motivates our behavior toward each other, we will disappoint them,

and they will view us as hypocrites. If, however, they see that we truly

emulate Christ's love within the church family, they will recognize

that we are truly His disciples.

Analyze the connection between love and humility in Philippians

2:1-3.

"Attitudes of selfishness, pride, self-confidence, self-sufficiency,

superiority, prejudice, criticism, denunciation, and faultfinding among

believers contribute to disunity in the church. Often a loss of the first

love in the Christian experience lies behind these attitudes. A fresh

look at God's gift in Christ at Calvary can renew love for one another

(1 John

4:9-11)."—Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . ,

pp. 178, 179.

"Christian love is that unconquered goodwill which never knows

bitterness and never seeks anything but the good of others. It is not a

mere reaction of the heart, as human love is; it is a victory of the will,

achieved by the help of Jesus Christ. It does not mean loving only

those who love us; or those whom we like; or those who are lovable. It

means an unconquerable good-will, even to those who hate us, to

those whom we do not like, to those who are unlovely. This is the very

essence of the Christian life; and it affects us in time and in eternity."

—William Barclay,

The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and

Thessalonians

(Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1975), p. 33.

Take a hard look at your local congregation. How has it

succeeded in displaying Christian love? How has it failed? How

can it improve? In what ways have you contributed to the suc-

cesses or failures? How can you contribute to any improvements

that might be necessary?

Monday



October 18

THE PERFECT LAW OF LOVE (John 15:9, 10; Matt. 22:37-40).

Many people view Seventh-day Adventists as legalistic simply

because we emphasize the permanence of the Ten Commandments

and the need to obey them. Furthermore, some church members present

the mistaken concept that the law is the key to salvation rather than

Christ. But nothing could be farther from truth. Let us reaffirm now

that He is our only Savior (Eph. 2:8, 9; 5:23; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19).

How does John 14:15 and John 15:9, 10 help us understand

1 John 3:18?

All of us know someone who professes love for another, yet then

does whatever she or he pleases regardless of the pain or conse-

quences it may cause the beloved. But according to Christ, love is

shown only through obedience—"in deed and in truth."

An impossibility? Yes, if we depend upon our own strength. But

immediately after His command in John 14:15, Christ says, "'And I

will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may

abide with you forever"' (v. 16, NKJV). The meaning of the word we

translate as

Helper

is "one called to the side of." There the Holy Spirit

is willing to stay forever, guiding and directing us along the path to

victory. Christ's love inward flows in action outward.

In your own words, how does Matthew 22:37-40 summarize the

Decalogue? Explain the meaning of " 'with all your heart, and

with all your soul and with all your mind' " (v. 37, NIV). What

does it mean to " 'love your neighbor as yourself' "? (v. 39).

"How little do we enter into sympathy with Christ on that which

should be the strongest bond of union between us and Him--compas-

sion for depraved, guilty, sufering souls, dead in trespasses and sins!

The inhumanity of man toward man is our greatest sin.

Many think

that they are representing the justice of God while they wholly fail of

representing His tenderness and His great love. Often the ones whom

they meet with sternness and severity are under the stress of tempta-

tion. Satan is wrestling with these souls, and harsh, unsympathetic

words discourage them and cause them to fall prey to the tempter's

power."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 163, italics supplied.

What does 1 John 2:3-5 say about those who confess Him but

do not keep His commandments? What does it

say

you?

Tuesday



October 19

CONTROLLED BY CHRIST'S LOVE (2 Cor. 5:14; John 21:15-17).

What does it mean to be

controlled, ruled,

constrained

by the

love of Christ? 2 Cor. 5:14.

This verse places Christian love far above a mere feeling. Christ's

love is a power, a force that elevates our thoughts, modifies our

attitudes, and transforms our whole life. It is God's life injected into

our inner life, then revealed in our behavior.

How much stronger our spiritual life would be if Christ's love con-

trolled us! Are we praying for this?

Lord, give us the power of Your

love and Your Spirit.

Why do you think Jesus asked Peter the same question three

times? John 21:15-17.

What did He mean by the command "Feed my sheep"?

Jesus hoped that Christian love would motivate His disciples to

take care of His flock. True love is always active, useful, practical, and

dynamic. It is a way to serve others while at the same time edifying

and uniting the church.

"Knowledge, benevolence, eloquence, gratitude, and zeal are all

aids in the good work; but without the love of Jesus in the heart, the

work of the Christian minister is a failure."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 815.

The fountain of love.

The story is told of a missionary translator

who could not seem to find in a particular African dialect a word that

corresponded to love. He sensed he could not translate the story of

God's love for the people without such a word. After he had talked to

many people about it, a man who was standing with his small daughter

said, "Yes, there is a word.

Ok'efe

means 'I care for this little girl so

much, that when I think of what is going to befall her when she grows

up, it hurts me.' " That is what God's love for us is like. He loves us so

deeply that it is hard for us to comprehend it. How can such a measure

of love fail to inspire us to love God and our neighbor?

What

can you do today to express God's love in your heart?

How would you explain God's love to someone who has not

experienced it? To help you do so, how would you finish the

following sentence? God's love is like . . .

Wednesday



October 20

SINCERE LOVE (Col. 3:12-14; 1 Cor. 4:20, 21).

What does Paul say about the loving attitude we should have as

God's chosen ones? Col. 3:12-14.

We feel faulty before this teaching, because we recognize how far

we are from such an ideal. But we can be "conquerors through Him

who loved us" (Rom. 8:37). We can ask ourselves, "Who is sufficient

for these things?" (2 Cor. 2:16). The answer is, "Not that we are

sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our

sufficiency is of God" (2 Cor. 3:5).

"If our hearts are softened and subdued by the grace of Christ, and

glowing with a sense of God's goodness and love, there will be a

natural outflow of love, sympathy, and tenderness to others."—Testi-

monies for the Church,

vol. 5, p. 606.

"If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the

slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed,

and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit."—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 301.

What contrast does Paul point out in 1 Corinthians 4:20, 21?

Explain how love can equal power.

To talk about love, to condemn others because they do not have

love, and to pretend that we have love when we really do not—these

are all easy to do. But Christian excellence does not consist in words,

no matter how beautiful they might be. The core of Christ's gospel "is

not a matter of words" (1 Cor. 4:20, TEV) but a matter of what we are.

It is what people see in us, not what they hear us say. While words can

inform, they also can deceive. Only our behavior can convince an-

other person that we are faithful.

We must be careful, however, that the love we display to any one

particular individual does not blind that person to his or her faults.

Christian love must at times come in the form of discipline, just as

God found it necessary to at times discipline His people. " 'For the

Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom

he accepts"' (Heb. 12:5, 6, NRSV).

When John and Darla's son, Jeff, went to get his learner's

permit to drive a car, the officer smelled alcohol on his breath.

As Christians who want to emulate their Savior's love toward

their children, what should Jeff's parents do to discipline him?

Thursday



October 21

JESUS' DESIRE FOR US (John 17:26; Rom. 13:8-10).

According to Jesus' prayer, what measure of love should we

have? John 17:26.

It is impossible for us to comprehend the fathomless depths of

God's love for His Son. Nevertheless, Jesus declares that He wants us

to have such love! In divine love there is unity, harmony, and con-

certed action to spread the gospel. When we are "knit together in love"

(Col. 2:2), we are able better to understand "the mystery of God, both

of the Father and of Christ" (NKJV). In contemplating this love, we

are drawn nearer to Christ and become filled with Him.

How does Paul express the goodness of love and its relationship

to God's law? Rom. 13:8-10.

Have you ever thought of Christian love as a debt we owe each

other? Yet in verse 8, this is exactly how Paul describes it. Just how do

we pay that debt? How is love the fulfillment of the law? Love never

seeks what it can get, only what it can give. Therefore, we will not

steal. Love is selfless, not selfish. Therefore, we will not covet our

friends' and neighbor's spouses. Love does not seek to destroy. There-

fore, we will not commit murder or bear false witness. And so it goes.

If we honestly seek to pay this debt of love, we will want to obey

God's law. Thus there is no contradiction between love and law. On

the contrary, the love that leads to obedience brings us joy, helps with

our difficulties, and secures church unity.

"Greater attention should be given to the subject of unity. What is

the recipe for the cure of the leprosy of strife and dissension? Obedi-

ence to the commandments of

God."—Selected Messages,

book 2,

pp. 159, 160.

Why should love be the impelling motive of all our actions?

(1 Cor. 16:14). How do your daily attitudes harmonize with this

principle of love? When somebody says something wrong or nega-

tive about you, what is your natural reaction? How would you

react if Christ's love motivated your thoughts and actions? Read

Matthew 5:44-48.

"Do you feel that it is too great a sacrifice to yield all to Christ?

Ask yourself the question, 'What has Christ given for

me?' "

—Steps to Christ,

p. 45.

Friday



October 22

FURTHER STUDY:

As you read 1 Corinthians 13, use it as a mirror

to analyze the real motives and feelings of your heart.